How to Apply to QCAT for Unpaid Invoices Under $25,000

If you are owed money in Queensland and the debtor will not pay, the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT) offers a faster, cheaper alternative to court for debts under $25,000. QCAT’s minor debt jurisdiction handles unpaid invoices, loans, work done or goods supplied at a price agreed beforehand, and other fixed debts. Property damage and consumer disputes are different kinds of claim.

This guide walks through the entire QCAT application process, from preparing your case to attending the hearing.

Before you apply: Send a letter of demand

QCAT expects you to attempt resolution before filing. A letter of demand is not legally required, but tribunals look more favourably on applicants who have made a genuine effort to settle.

Your letter should:

• State the amount owed clearly
• Attach a copy of the invoice or contract
• Give the debtor 14 days to pay
• Warn that QCAT proceedings will follow if they do not respond

Keep proof of delivery — registered post receipt, email read receipt, or courier tracking. QCAT may ask you to prove you gave the debtor notice.

What is a minor debt claim at QCAT?

QCAT’s minor debt jurisdiction covers claims up to $25,000. This includes:

• Unpaid invoices for goods or services
• Contractor or tradie fees agreed beforehand
• Unpaid loans between individuals or businesses
• Breach of contract where the loss is quantified

QCAT does not handle:

• Defamation or personal injury claims
• Family law or child support
• Employment disputes (Fair Work handles those)
• Debts over $25,000 (file in the Magistrates Court instead)

If your claim is genuinely disputed on technical or legal grounds, consider whether QCAT is the right forum.

QCAT fees for minor debt claims

QCAT’s application fee depends on the amount you claim. Fees change each 1 July; check the current fee on the tribunal’s or court’s website before you file.

You can claim the filing fee as part of your total debt. If you win, QCAT will typically order the respondent to reimburse your application fee.

Forms you need to file

A QCAT minor debt claim is made on one form:

Form 3 — Application for minor civil dispute – minor debt This is your claim form. You will need:

• Your full name and contact details
• The respondent’s full name and address (individual or company)
• A clear statement of the debt amount
• A brief summary of what happened
• Copies of supporting documents (invoice, contract, emails, proof of delivery)

The details of your claim Set these out clearly in your application. Include:

• Date the debt arose
• Description of goods or services provided
• Amount owed (broken down if multiple invoices)
• Any payments already received
• Interest claimed (if applicable under the contract)

The form is listed on QCAT’s forms page. Complete it carefully — errors or missing information will delay your application.

Supporting documents to attach

QCAT decides cases on evidence. Attach:

• The invoice or quote showing the amount owed
• Proof of delivery or completion — delivery dockets, signed acceptance, photos of completed work
• The contract or agreement if one exists
• Your letter of demand and proof it was sent
• Any correspondence — emails, text messages, or letters where the debtor acknowledged the debt or made excuses

Organise your documents in date order. Label them clearly (e.g. “Attachment A — Invoice dated 12 March 2024”). QCAT members appreciate clarity.

How to file your QCAT application

You can file online, by post, or in person.

Online filing (recommended): Go to the QCAT website and use the Online Registry. You will need to create an account, upload your forms and attachments as PDFs, and pay the filing fee by credit card. You will receive a confirmation email with your application number.

By post: Send your completed forms, attachments, and a cheque or money order to:

QCAT Registry GPO Box 1639 Brisbane QLD 4001

In person: Lodge at any QCAT registry location (Brisbane, Southport, Cairns, Townsville, Rockhampton, Toowoomba). Bring printed copies of all forms and documents. Pay by cash, card, or cheque.

Online filing is fastest. Postal applications can take 5-10 business days to process.

What happens after you file

Once QCAT receives your application:

1. QCAT registers your claim and assigns a case number
2. You serve the respondent — QCAT gives you sealed copies of your application to serve, and the person who served it files Form 9, the affidavit of service
3. The respondent has 28 days from service to file a response (Form 7)
4. QCAT lists a directions hearing or final hearing depending on whether the claim is defended

If the respondent does not respond within 28 days of being served, you can ask QCAT for a decision by default. QCAT will typically grant the full amount claimed plus your filing fee.

Directions hearing vs final hearing

Directions hearing: If the respondent files a defence, QCAT may schedule a directions hearing. This is a short procedural conference where the tribunal member:

• Clarifies the issues in dispute
• Sets deadlines for filing evidence
• Orders mediation if appropriate
• Lists a final hearing date

Directions hearings are often conducted by phone or video. They typically last 15-30 minutes.

Final hearing: This is where QCAT decides your case. Both parties present evidence, call witnesses if needed, and make submissions. The tribunal member will ask questions about the evidence, test the credibility of witnesses, and make a decision on the spot or reserve judgment.

Most minor debt hearings take 30-90 minutes. QCAT is less formal than court, but you still need to be organised and respectful.

Realistic timelines

If the respondent does not file a response within 28 days of being served, you can ask QCAT for a decision by default. If the claim is defended, how long it takes depends on QCAT’s workload and whether there is a directions hearing; check QCAT’s website for current timeframes. If your claim is urgent, mention this in your application — QCAT can expedite in genuine hardship cases.

Enforcing a QCAT order

Winning at QCAT does not automatically get you paid. If the respondent does not pay within the time ordered (typically 28 days), you need to enforce the order.

Options include:

• Garnishee order — take money from the debtor’s bank account or wages
• Warrant for seizure and sale — the sheriff seizes and sells the debtor’s property
• Examination summons — force the debtor to attend court and disclose their assets

Enforcement is a separate process with additional fees. If the debtor is a company and cannot pay, you may need to consider a statutory demand or wind-up proceedings.

How Claim Done helps before QCAT

Claim Done cannot represent you at QCAT. But we can prepare the documents that strengthen your case before you file.

Our Tribunal Application service drafts your QCAT application based on the evidence you describe. You get:

• A professionally drafted application document for you to file
• A witness statement

We also prepare letters of demand that satisfy QCAT’s pre-filing expectations, and witness statements if you need to support your claim with third-party evidence.

Claim Done does not provide legal advice. But for straightforward unpaid invoices, documents drafted by our Programmatic Algorithms give you a professional starting point at a flat fee.

Final steps

If you are owed money in Queensland and the debtor will not pay:

1. Send a letter of demand and wait 14 days
2. Gather your evidence — invoice, contract, proof of delivery, correspondence
3. Complete QCAT Form 3 (minor debt)
4. File online and pay the application fee
5. Serve the sealed application on the respondent and file Form 9
6. Attend the hearing prepared to prove your case

QCAT is designed for self-represented litigants. The process is simpler than court, the fees are lower, and the timelines are faster.

Get your QCAT application started

Claim Done drafts your tribunal application and a witness statement for $97. Tell us what evidence you have, answer a few questions, and our Programmatic Algorithms draft your case. No subscription, no hourly billing, documents delivered in about 5 minutes.

Start your tribunal application now and get your QCAT documents drafted.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I file a QCAT application if I have not sent a letter of demand?

Yes, but QCAT expects you to attempt resolution first. A letter of demand shows you gave the debtor a chance to pay before filing. It strengthens your case and may lead to settlement without a hearing.

What happens if the respondent does not file a response?

You can ask QCAT for a decision by default after 28 days. QCAT will typically grant the full amount claimed plus your filing fee. The respondent can apply to set aside the default if they have a reasonable excuse, but this is rare.

Can I claim interest on the unpaid invoice?

Only if your contract or invoice terms allow for it, or if you are claiming under Queensland legislation. QCAT does not automatically award interest. Include the interest calculation in your application and attach the contract clause that authorises it.

How long does a QCAT hearing take?

Most minor debt hearings last 30-90 minutes. Uncontested matters may be decided in 15 minutes. If witnesses are called or the evidence is complex, the hearing may take half a day.

What if the debtor is a company and has no assets?

A QCAT order against an insolvent company may not be enforceable. If the company owes you $4,000 or more, consider a statutory demand before filing at QCAT. This can trigger wind-up proceedings if the company does not pay within 21 days.